Packing guide for winter trips

I love travelling during the winter and have a trip booked to Iceland in December. Usually, during the colder months, there are fewer crowds. That means you get to experience the true character of the place you are visiting. I also love visiting warm cosy cafes and restaurants when it’s chilly outside. 

Plus, often, the accommodation is cheaper. So, if you want to, you can easily afford to stay in a nicer hotel or apartment. I can highly recommend travelling during the colder times of the year. But, when you do, it is important to go prepared. There are a few extra things you will need to think about and pack.

Packing guide for winter

Knitwear

You really need to pack at least one jumper or cardigan. Right now, there are loads of very nice and affordable ones available from places like Simply Be. So, you will easily be able to find one or two that will be suitable for your holiday.

It does not have to be particularly thick. In fact, you don’t want anything too bulky. This year oversized cardigans are not a great idea. Instead, look for something made from lightweight material that is tailored to fit close to the body. But, you do need to buy one that is big enough to fit over the top of several layers of clothing.

Pack clothes that you can layer

All of the tops you pack should be capable of being layered. On very cold days you will be thankful you can fit a jumper and coat over the top of your thermal vest, t-shirt and shirt or blouse. Do a trial run at home to make sure that when you are dressed like that you can still move freely. If the shirts or jacket you are planning to pack feels too tight choose one that is looser.

Do the same with your lower half. Pack leggings and jeans that are big enough to wear over two pairs.

Clothes that dry out quickly

If you should get wet you will want to dry out your clothes quickly. Bear this in mind when choosing which items to pack.

Waterproof footwear

Keeping your feet warm and dry has to be a priority. Look for boots or shoes that have reasonably thick soles and do not leave any of your sock exposed. If they are not already waterproof buy a waterproofing spray to fix that issue. Or, if you prefer, try the simple and inexpensive method that is explained here.

A wet weather coat

You need to make sure that the coat you take with you is suitable. It should be at least showerproof and be made of a material that is good at keeping the wind out. Make sure you also pack a hat, gloves and scarf, even if you do not normally wear them.

It is also worth packing a set of lightweight waterproofs that can be folded into a small package. If you have to wait for a bus or train for half an houror more in bad wather, you will be very pleased that you had them.

More simple packing tips

I hope you have enjoyed this post and will find it helpful. If you would like to read more, similar articles, you can do so. I’ve picked up some very useful tips over the years and regularly share them with my readers. This one, which is about making sure you pack what you need to be ready for those little travel emergencies is a particularly popular one. Just click here to be taken straight to it.

Do you have any winter packing tips?

*Discliamer – this is a collaborative post*